APS, SRP warn of holiday phone scams

Both the Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service are warning their customers about a holiday phone scam.

Scammers call customers and demand credit card information to make a payment, something the companies never do.

“SRP and APS never ask for private information over the phone,” said Kathleen Mascarenas with SRP. “If we’re going to communicate with our customers, it’s going to be via mail. We’ll send you something to your home, never call and ask you for personal information.”

Mascarenas said the companies may also use text messages or door hangers to communicate with customers.

The scammers, who speak both English and Spanish, will ask customers to wire money via Western Union or by depositing it in a kiosk.

Mascarenas said, should you be contacted by a scammer, hang up and call your utility company immediately.